Max Verstappen plane conversation reveals what 'separates' him from F1 rivals

Alex Albon has revealed discussing Max Verstappen's stunning GT debut at the weekend on their flight to Baku, and appreciating why the four-time F1 champion stands out from the rest of the motorsport world.

In between the last grand prix at Monza and this weekend's race in Azerbaijan, Verstappen headed to the Nordschleife in Germany in a bid to obtain his GT racing A licence that will allow him to compete in a round of the Nürburgring Endurance Series later this month.

Appreciably, Verstappen passed with flying colours, initially completing the required pre-race examinations alongside an instructor before taking part in the four-hour event.

Due to a technical issue with one of the two cars that Verstappen was required to compete in, he failed to gain the A licence via the driving regulations. Still, he was given an exemption given his performances over the two days, and his obvious racing pedigree.

Williams driver Albon, who competed in DTM in 2021, has confirmed discussing the weekend with Verstappen on the Dutchman's private jet to Baku, and was left far from surprised by what he achieved and why.

"I was on the plane with him on the way here, so we had a good chat about it," said Albon, speaking to the media, including RacingNews365, ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

"He loves his GT racing. I would say he definitely enjoys it more than I did.

"He's a guy who just loves racing, and it's fun to talk to him about it because it's a clear passion of his.

"It's partly what separates him from everyone else. He can't stop driving.

"So good for him. He's invested in it, that's for sure."